Just Checking In

A'salaam alaikum wa rahamatullahi wa barakatuhu! In sha Allah this finds you all in good health and ever increasing eeman. 

Alhamdulillah for all He has blessed me with. I have a new (again) job subhanallah and I LOVE it! I'm so glad to be working there again! I'm loving having extra hours in my day where I'm not stressing over work and whether or not I will have to work additional hours or dealing with anyone else's drama. I have been able to focus my heart more on Allah subhana wa talala and my remembrance of Him and I've been able to read a couple of books that I had been wanting to as well.

 I am still hoping to be out of my inlaw's house in a couple of months in sha Allah but we are just taking it one day at a time. 

I really just wanted to stop in and say hello to let everyone know I'm still here! You all are awesome! 

Next Chapter, Please

A'salaam alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu. 

A Disney song said it best, "A dream is a wish a heart makes.." 

When I was a kid I dreamt of becoming an astronaut, a fashion designer, a doctor, a model and various other things as kids usually do but above all I used to dream of being a writer.. A novelist but at the very least, a columnist for a magazine company. Creativity felt like it flowed through my veins and out of my pencil lead, onto the paper. I loved every part of the process, from brainstorming to self editing, to seeing my papers marked up with corrections or suggestions to the very end result. Give me a pencil, some paper, an idea and about thirty minutes and I could give you a well formed, well written, grammatically correct story. Something happened though in my teenage years and all that stopped. It was the longest case of writers block, probably in the history of the written word. (That might be an exaggeration, but it was long anyway). Like a composer's final opus, had I written my final work in 8th grade??? While I love all genres of literature, my absolute favorite thing is historical fiction. I LOVE history, particularly ancient history through the American Civil War era but nothing seemed to inspire me after that. Sure, there have been times here and there throughout my life that things would click and seemingly come together; music appreciation class in college, helping out a good friend, but nothing spectacular. It left me to wonder "where did that love of writing go? Had it been replaced by other things like boys, fashion, the intense desire to fit in socially?" Maybe some of all of those things but maybe I just needed some new inspiration.

I may not ever become a writer like I had dreamed when I was younger, but this blog and everyone who reads these entries have given me inspiration to show my voice and make a difference, even if that is only to one person. 

I don't really know where I intended to go with that little story but I hope you all who read these posts have been inspired to do, try, or learn something new; see the world a little clearer; feel inspired to take a stand for what is right, not what is popular; to work hard toward your dreams and have faith in Allaah swt that He will guide you through life as long as you are willing to listen. 

I will continue to post informational topics for my non-Muslim (as well as Muslim) followers when I feel they are needed, but this site will also become more like my diary of (sometimes random) thoughts and maybe some of my writings as I am able. As I turn the page of my life's story, I hope you will continue to follow me on my journey in sha Allah. 

Actions Are Louder Than Words

A'salaam alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu. 

I more than strongly condemn the Paris shooting. However, we, as Muslims, should not have to keep condemning every individual act of terrorism. If we condemn one, that should be enough of a blanket statement to say we condemn ALL acts of terrorism, violence and hate done by ALL people, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or any other factor. Hate begets hate and violence begets violence. The best way to defend Islam, is by being the representative of Islam that we keep telling the world we are. Actions often speak louder than words and even if your good deed isn't broadcast to the country or planet by 100s of media outlets, that doesn't mean that no one witnessed it. Brothers and sisters, pass on your knowledge of Islam to others who wish to learn. Invite them to group meetings, Jummah prayers or to help you volunteer. Open the doors for others to come to you for advise, wisdom and knowledge so that try may also pass it on. You never know how many people can be affected by the good done by one person and in sha Allaah someone will be moved to Islam because of your efforts.

"Be the change you want to see in the world.." - Mahatma Ghandi 

Spread a Little Cheer

A'salaam alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu! In sha Allaah this post finds you all well and I hope those of you in the States had a good Thanksgiving! 

I had a long post mostly written the other day until Blogger randomly closed and deleted the whole thing. Oh well, back to the drawing board, as they say. 

As Muslims, myself and my immediate family no longer celebrate Christmas. However, this post is not about whether you do or do not participate in any aspect of Christmas either. What it is about is something that we all can do and that is remember those out there who are less fortunate than we are. Stop and consider for a moment, the amount of money you are going to spend on expensive toys or electronics, and while those gifts might be nice and appreciated for a little while, eventually, they will be forgotten about or broken. Consider donating a portion of what would have been spent on worldly possessions to your local food bank, homeless shelter, animal rescue or children's hospital. If donating money isn't your thing, buy the coffee of the person in line behind you or the homeless person on the street. Give a hot meal to the person you see begging on the corner, or clean out your closets and donate old clothes and coats to local shelters. Get the kids involved and let them see what it's like to give before they receive and sponsor a family, choose a child from the Salvation Army angel tree, give them spare change to toss in the red bucket or volunteer as a family at the local or regional food banks, visit the elderly in nursing homes, or even take treats to the emergency responders in your town (they generally love that!).

The holiday season can be a very depressing time for a lot of people and for a lot of different reasons. Maybe someone doesn't have any family to share it with, maybe they've come into hard times and have lost their home or maybe they are just barely getting by from day to day and only wish they could give their kids a present, or any number of reasons. 

Zakat (charity) is compulsory in Islam for all who are able and is one of the five pillars on which Islam is built. The Prophet said: 'Charity is a necessity for every Muslim. ' He was asked: 'What if a person has nothing?' The Prophet replied: 'He should work with his own hands for his benefit and then give something out of such earnings in charity.' The Companions asked: 'What if he is not able to work?' The Prophet said: 'He should help poor and needy persons.' The Companions further asked 'What if he cannot do even that?' The Prophet said 'He should urge others to do good.' The Companions said 'What if he lacks that also?' The Prophet said 'He should check himself from doing evil. That is also charity.'

إِنَّمَا الصَّدَقَاتُ لِلْفُقَرَاءِ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْعَامِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا وَالْمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَفِي الرِّقَابِ وَالْغَارِمِينَ وَفِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ فَرِيضَةً مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ

Alms are only for the poor and the needy, and the officials (appointed) over them, and those whose hearts are made to incline (to truth) and the (ransoming of) captives and those in debts and in the way of Allah and the wayfarer; an ordinance from Allah; and Allah is knowing, Wise." (Holy Qur'an 9:60)

So, this holiday season, whether you are Christian, Muslim, Jewish, atheist, or consider yourself more spiritual than religious, let us all try to spread a little cheer to someone who might not otherwise have a reason to smile.

Happy holidays and may Allaah subhana wa'tala shower you with many blessings and give you the ultimate reward of Jannah in the next life. Ameen. 

When One Door Closes...

A'salaam alaikum wa rahamatullahi wa barakatuhu! 

Let me first start by apologizing for the delay. It's been a hectic few weeks. After finding out that I wasn't getting a promotion anytime in the near(ish) future, and receiving some less than stellar words on being Muslim and Islam in general from others around the state, I made the decision to leave my job and my home. I've relocated in the mountains of Colorado and in sha Allah I will find its residents to be more open minded and accepting of all things. 

When Allaah subhanah wa'tallah removes something from your life, He has a plan to replace it with something better. At least that's what I'm choosing to believe. It's hard sometimes to let go of what you know and move on into the unknown but Allaah knows what is best for us while we know not. For the time being, I'm taking a much needed break from the working world and helping my sister as a part time nanny and housekeeper. In sha Allaah I'm also taking this time off to strengthen imam and my relationship with Ar-Rahman. I look forward to using this time efficiently and increasing my Islamic knowledge in my journey to becoming a scholar of the deen.   

As always, I love you all for the sake of Allaah!

Astaghfirul lahal lathee la ilaha illa huwal hayyul qayyoomu wa atoobu ilayy. 

I seek Allah's forgiveness, besides whom, none has the right to be worshipped except He, The Ever Living, The Self-Subsisting and Supporter of all and I turn to Him in repentance. Ameen.  

What I Was Doing When I Wasn't Posting

Asalaam alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu! In sha Allaah this finds you in ever increasing emaan. It has been a while since my last post but I thought that I would give a little update on what I've been up to lately.

I went to Denver to visit my younger sister for a week while she was in the hospital and that is where I finished up Ramadan and celebrated Eid. Walking around Denver proved to be less stressful than in my own town. I guess that is because no matter where I looked, there was someone different. My sister always says anyone can find their particular brand of person in Denver, and that is true. Although I didn't see any other niqabi sisters when I went shopping or driving around, no one acted like seeing me veiled was anything they had never seen before. Unlike at home where even though I go out veiled all of the time, there are always at least a couple of people that stop and stare holes through my black layers.

My first semester as a student of knowledge with the Islamic Online University wrapped up the second week of August with final exams. They went pretty well over all but I think that I could have done better. In sha Allaah I will get to continue with the fall semester in a few days.

Classes resumed at the University of Oklahoma a couple of weeks ago, sparking the increase in business (and hours worked) at my store and football season. I am still waiting to find out if I will get promoted when the newest store opens but Allaah, subhana wa'tala, has a plan and only He knows what that plan is, I just have to trust that He knows what is best while I do not. I have also been my youngest son's learning coach for his first semester of sixth grade in an online public school.

I have a couple of things in the works for future blog entries, so please, don't give up on me (at least one is requiring more research). I promise I'm still here. Also, I have been in the process of putting some writing samples together for Sisters Magazine based in the UK, to potentially be selected as a contributing writer for the magazine in sha Allaah. So those of you who subscribe to that (and even if you don't) stay tuned for that!

Well, that is pretty much a recap of what I've been up to for the last month. I have a lot of things started, which hopefully I will be wrapping a few of them up soon.

Wa salaam!!

Eid Mubarak to You and Yours

A'salaam alaikum wa rahmatulahi wa barakatuhu. Eid Mubarak to all of you and may Allah's peace and blessings find you no matter where you are. May He guide and protect us and comfort those of the Ummah who are suffering around the world. Ameen.

For many of us, today marks the end of Ramadan. It is a day of celebration and remembrance of Allah but for those who don't know much about it, in sha Allah this will be of some benefit to you.

Eid al-Fitr is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting sawm. The religious Eid is a single day during which Muslims are not permitted to fast. The holiday celebrates the conclusion of the 29 or 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadan. The day of Eid, therefore, falls on the first day of the month of Shawwal. This is a day when Muslims around the world show a common goal of unity. The date for the start of any lunar Hijri month varies based on the observation of new moon by local religious authorities, so the exact day of celebration varies by locality. However, in most countries, it is generally celebrated on the same day as Saudi Arabia.

Traditionally, it is the day (beginning at sunset) of the first sighting of the crescent moon shortly after sunset. If the moon is not observed immediately after the 29th day of the previous lunar month either because clouds block its view or because the western sky is still too bright when the moon sets, then it is the following day.

Eid al-Fitr is celebrated for one, two or three days. Common greetings during this holiday are the Arabic greeting Eid Mubarak ("Blessed Eid") or ‘Eid Sa‘id ("Happy Eid"). In addition, many countries have their own greetings in the local language. Muslims are also encouraged to forgive any differences with others or any animosities that occurred through the rest of the year. 

It is forbidden to fast on the Day of Eid. It is customary to acknowledge this with a small sweet breakfast, preferably of date fruit, before attending a special Eid prayer, known as salaat and as an obligatory act of charity, money is paid to the poor and the needy (In Arabic this is called Sadaqat-ul-fitr) before performing the Eid prayer.

Many countries have their own ways of celebrating but along with prayer, in most there are special meals that are prepared including sweets and other treats which are shared by all of the neighbors, decorations are hung on houses and buildings, and gifts are exchanged. It is a time of togetherness, to show generosity to others who are less fortunate and to thank Allah for the blessings that He has bestowed upon us.

This is just a little about one of our holidays in Islaam. In sha Allah whoever reads this will find it beneficial. 

Wa Salaam!

Dear Mr. President: An Open Letter

Dear Mr. President, 

I am an American and a Muslim. I am a mother, a wife and a student at a major university. I am writing this letter because I, as well as most of the Muslim world and many others want to know, when will you step in and stop allowing Israel to unmercifully slaughter the people of Palestine?? 

While you, along with many other community leaders in this country are planning and promoting interfaith Iftar dinners to show solidarity among all faiths, when will you stand up for the Muslims of Palestine, Mr. President?? Stand up for the people of Gaza who are forced to perform their daily prayers while missiles and rockets rain down upon them; those people who are losing their homes and their families every hour of every day! 

My heart breaks and I am ashamed of this country and the other world leaders who refuse to acknowledge the fact that terrorism knows no boundaries! You, your constituents, opponents and your peers label any Muslim who chooses to stand up for themselves or our Ummah by fighting back against those who oppress them "jihadist", "extremist", "militant" but you choose to justify the obvious acts of terrorism of the Zionists against the Muslims of Palestine!! What is labeled as justified retaliation for an action of Hamas has turned into genocide! 

Mr. President, the world is crying out for an intercession by the leaders of the world on the behalf of the people of Gaza! Surely, you hear our plea to stop these crimes against humanity! 

Over the past five days, there have been over one hundred Palestinian lives lost due to Israeli military targeted missile attacks on civilian houses including innocent women and children!  

What are you waiting for, Mr. President?? What are you afraid of?? Are you worried about your position of authority?? You can't be re-elected for another term. 

Mr. President, nearly two years ago, you made a brief phone call to a hospital in Qatar. You spoke to a young Muslim woman, an American and an employee of Microsoft who suffered severe acid burns over half of her body. That woman was my sister and my best friend. That phone call from you meant the world to her and even though she had been made to see the hatred of some, she felt a sense of calm by speaking to you. The difference between that woman and the Muslims of Palestine is that she was American and they are not. This does not mean that they do not deserve to have a voice or be heard! They are enduring supreme hate because they are Muslim.

When will you be a voice for the people who need it, Mr. President?? When will you and the other leaders of the world see who are truly the oppressed and who are the oppressors!? 

Help the Muslim people of Gaza! Stand up for what is right and not for what will benefit you politically. 

-Oklahoma Niqabi

Home

A'salaam alaikum wa ramatulahi wa barakatuhu. In sha Allaah  this finds you all in ever increasing emaan and may Allaah grant you any blessings in this Ramadan. 

This is my third Ramadan and alhamdulillah aside from a small set back thanks to my body, it is going surprising well (it's only my 2nd day of fasting so far but in sha Allaah it can only get easier from here, right??).

Anyway, I love coming to the masjid during non-prayer hours. It is so relaxing and calm. I am the only sister here right now. As I sit on the slightly worn looking, green floral rugs of our sisters prayer room, with my Holy Qur'an in my lap, I can hear the muffled discussions of the brothers through the door and every now and then the ringing of the doorbell, signaling that someone else has arrived. The only other sounds that can be heard are the soft ticking of the clock and the quiet hum of the air conditioner. There are no bleachers, no pews. Only a handful of chairs dot the back wall of the room. Peaceful. Serene. 

In approximately two hours, the scene will change. The rooms will start to fill up with brothers and sisters of all ages, all eager for the Adhan of Maghrib prayer, signifying that it is now time to break their fast. The air becomes static with anticipation as everyone waits as patiently as they can for those melodious words of the muezzin (caller). Lively. Excited. 

I was terrified to step foot into the masjid just over two years ago.. Afraid of what other sisters who had been Muslim for far longer than I had might say. But today as I sit here in this most amazing of buildings, the most beautiful of rooms, I look around me and listen to the sounds of the masjid. I am no longer scared to walk through the doors, or to enter the sister's area. Sitting here in quiet reflection, in the soft, airy fabric of these clothes, in the space between these walls, in the comfort of Islaam, and in my faith in Allaah the Most Merciful, and Most Forgiving, I am home. 

Ramadan: The Most Holy of Months

Asalaam alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu. I pray that this finds you all in good health and ever increasing eemaan. As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, I thought that I'd write something explaining a little about what it is and its significance.

The month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar but because Islam follows a lunar calendar rather than the Gregorian one, the dates change every year. The observance of fasting from dawn to dusk during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for all adult Muslims except those who are ill, traveling, breastfeeding, pregnant, diabetic or menstruating. While fasting from dawn to sunset, Muslims refrain from consuming food or drink, smoking, sex and in some cases, swearing. Food and drink is served before sunrise (suhoor) and after sunset (Iftar) and varies from place to place on what is served. In Islam the reward for fasting is great but during this month the rewards are multiplied, and fasting often includes an increase in salat (prayers) and reading/reciting the Qur'an.

The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Qur'an; a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion (of right and wrong). And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, a number of other days. Allah desires for you ease; He desires not hardship for you; and that you should complete the period, and that you should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that perhaps you may be thankful. (Qur'an, 2: 185) It is believed that the first revelation to Muhammad was sent down during the month of Ramadan. Furthermore, Allaah proclaimed to Muhammad that fasting for His sake was not a new innovation in monotheism, but rather an obligation practiced by those truly devoted to the oneness of God.

Ramadan a time of spiritual reflection, improvement and increased devotion and worship and Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the soul by freeing it from harmful impurities. Ramadan also teaches Muslims how to better practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and compulsory charity called zakat.

Hilāl, or the crescent, is typically a day (or more) after the astronomical new moon. Since the new moon marks the beginning of the new month, Muslims can usually safely estimate the beginning of Ramadan. However, to many Muslims, this is not in accordance with authenticated Hadiths stating that visual confirmation per region is recommended. The consistent variations of a day have existed since the time of Muhammad.

While the entire month is holy, there are a couple of days (or sets of days) in particular that are given particular significance. Laylat al-Qadr, which in Arabic means "the night of power" or "the night of decree," is considered the most holy night of the year. This is the night in which Muslims believe the first revelation of the Quran was sent down to Muhammad stating that this night was "better than one thousand months [of proper worship], as stated in Chapter 97:3 of the Qu'ran. Also, generally, Laylat al-Qadr is believed to have occurred on an odd-numbered night during the last 10 days of Ramadan, i.e., the night of the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th.

The holiday of Eid al-Fitr, "festivity of breaking the fast" marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the next lunar month, Shawwal. This first day of the following month is declared after another crescent new moon has been sighted or the completion of 30 days of fasting if no visual sighting is possible due to weather conditions. This first day of Shawwal is called Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Fitr may also be a reference towards the festive nature of having endured the month of fasting successfully and returning to the more natural disposition (fitra) of being able to eat, drink and resume intimacy with spouses during the day.

In all, the month of Ramadan is important for many reasons and there are a lot of things that go on and I would like to take this opportunity to invite all non-Muslims to attend a Friday service and prayer or an Iftar dinner during this most holy of months. Go with an open mind, an open heart and a willingness to learn something new about the beautiful religion of Islaam and in shaa Allaah be able to pass along the knowledge to someone else.

Ya Allaah make what is difficult easy and what is easy keep it easy. May we be granted many blessings of Allaah, Most Merciful, Most High, Most Generous, during this holy month of Ramadan and may we live to see many more in sha Allaah.